I couldn't think of the right/most specific place to post this question that would get the attention and feedback I want it to get. If there's a better place I should post this, let me know.

My question is: what kinds of careers combine all of the interests I mention in my title? I graduated college a couple years ago with a degree in chemistry and a minor in computer science, and I spent a year afterward doing environmental research (field sampling, lab analyses, and data analysis). I currently work at an environmental consulting firm doing analyses of very large datasets and have gained a lot of experience developing Access database applications. I am interested in going to grad school starting in 1.5 years, and I can't for the life of me figure out what it is that I want to do.

I enjoy the intellectual challenges in dealing with some datasets and more to the point learning the different tools (VBA, SQL, scripting languages) that help automate these analyses. I have a good computer science background that I'd like to keep using, but I don't want to be constrained to sitting in a chair for 9-12 hours a day as I am now. I really like learning in general, and that's the major reason I'd like to go to grad school, for the stimulation and challenges.

I've given some thought to study in organic solar cells, computational chemistry, and analytical chemistry, but I have a tough time imagining specific jobs/careers I could line up post graduation. From what I've heard the job market for chemists is terrible, and doesn't have any indications it will improve. I'm fully confident in my abilities to be awesome at whatever it is that I do; the struggle I'm having is to choose what it is I'd like to study and then do. I've even given thought to going to law school, both because of the difficulty, and because I feel like I have the analytical mindset for it, but I haven't seriously pursued this because these feel like the wrong reasons.

I would appreciate any and all input that may help me make a decision or at least continue researching in the right direction. Thanks!

Definitely an area I'm considering, as I think it's incredibly important, but I have trouble thinking of a grad school program in that direction. I'd really like to be working on creative solutions and cutting-edge research on these kinds of things, as opposed to consulting about renewable energy solutions for buildings and businesses.

You sound just like me. I have degrees in environmental science and mathematics, spent a year working as a laboratory technician for a water utility, and currently work as an analyst for a consulting firm, mainly focusing on environmental health issues.

I am getting my MS in environmental engineering part-time. I would like to eventually work in urban planning -- more interested in the policy, as opposed to engineering, aspects of the field.

I would advise against law school. Not a good bet, even if you manage to secure a spot at a T14 school.